Oyo School Kidnapping: Nigerian Government Begins Trial of Five Suspected Ansaru Members

Nigeria’s State Security Service, also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), began the trial of five people suspected of belonging to the Islamist militant group Ansaru on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The suspects are accused of involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria.

Ansaru is an armed group linked to al-Qaeda and has been associated with kidnappings and attacks in Nigeria. The case is part of the government’s wider effort to prosecute individuals accused of involvement in terrorism and school kidnappings.

The trial is taking place against the background of continuing concerns over the safety of schools and students across the country.

The DSS has not publicly disclosed all details of the evidence against the suspects. The allegations will therefore have to be established through the court process.